Rotorua Lakes High School

Te Hā o Te Manawa RTLB Cluster 20

POLICY: CHILD PROTECTION

The well-being and safety of children and young people is a paramount concern of Rotorua Lakes High School. This policy guides the actions of all Rotorua Lakes High School staff whenever there is a concern about the abuse or maltreatment of children; concerns disclosed by a student, suspected abuse by a staff member, or suspected abuse between students at a school. The Principal, and RTLB Cluster Manager where appropriate, will:

1.  Ensure compliance with relevant legislative requirements and responsibilities.

2.  Ensure RTLB are familiar with the Rotorua Lakes High School and Te Hā o Te Manawa Child Protection policies, their associated procedures and protocols, and meet the expectations detailed in them.

3.  Ensure the interest and welfare of the student is the primary consideration when any action is taken about suspected abuse.

4.  Ensure RTLB report cases of suspected abuse and maltreatment to the statutory agencies concerned, such as the Police and Child, Youth and Family:

- following the processes outlined in the Rotorua Lakes High School and Te Hā o Te

Manawa Child Protection policy and procedures,

- supporting the roles of these agencies when concerns are investigated.

5.  Ensure RTLB collect, store and share relevant information about students in a timely manner, and in line with our commitment to confidentiality and information sharing policies and guidelines, with others.

6.  Provide professional learning and/or support for RTLB to:

- ensure Child Protection policies are understood and implemented,

- be aware of the laws which serve to protect children and young persons from abuse or

maltreatment,

- ensure RTLB are able to identify the signs and symptoms of potential abuse and neglect,

and are able to take appropriate action in response.

7.  In accordance with the regulatory requirements for safety checking under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014, ensure appropriate safety checking and police vetting of all RTLB.

REVIEW: This policy will be reviewed according to the Board of Trustees’ triennial

Programme of self –review October 2019

DATE CONFIRMED: 25 October 2016

AREA: Child Protection File: Child Protection